My take on Jake (and Rocket)- Entry #2

A popular line of clothing has the slogan, “Life is good”. I have several of their hats and shirts and recently picked up their book, “Life is good: Simple words from Jake and Rocket”. Being a Jake and Rocket fan, I thought I’d share my thoughts on their simple words from time to time in an effort to further the quality use of our leisure time. So here is another…

Whatever you are, be a good one.

I once attended a private holiday party at the Blackhawk Auto Museum hosted by a house developer that my wife’s office worked with. It was a glitzy affair- lot’s of big wigs, attorney’s and their spouses. As a recreation guy, I clearly did not fit in. As my wife was swept away in some high end cocktail deal making meeting, I wandered the museum entertaining myself. Every so often, I’d be staring at a fancy car and a couple would ask who I worked for or what I did. My answer was always the same- “I work for the recreation department” and their response was always the same too, “Oh”, and they’d walk away. At first I was offended by their comments and thought that maybe I shouldn’t have come to the party in the first place. But after a few times, I learned to be okay with it as I knew I was being authentic and proud in who I was- the hell with them, I thought. But, later on I still thought twice about applying for law school so maybe I could drive that expensive car, wear the expensive clothes, or live in that mansion like many others attending the party. I even went so far as to take the law school entry exam but then thought about who I really was and what I really enjoy doing. What was I thinking? Thankfully I came back to my real self.

We all have big dreams when we are young- to become an astronaut, own a company, make a million dollars, or even be the President. For some perhaps those dreams can come true. For others, reality is different and we end up doing something else- hopefully something you’d really enjoy, but whatever it is, Jake and Rocket have it right- be a good one. Excel in your chosen profession or job, regardless of what it is. Excel in your personal life and live with no regrets- be the best friend, spouse, parent and human being you can be.

I keep a book of notes and quotes I come across in my travels and found this one which seems appropriate for this discussion: Don’t worry about making a difference, just take responsibility for making a contribution. But I’d add, whatever it is, make it a good one!

Live Well- Chris

My take on Jake (and Rocket)- January 17, 2010

A popular line of clothing has the slogan, “Life is good”. I have several of their hats and shirts and recently picked up their book, “Life is good: Simple words from Jake and Rocket”. The artwork that adorns the clothing typically includes a stick figure guy, named Jake, and his faithful companion- a yellow labrador named Rocket, involved in a variety of activities that embody the “life is good” slogan. Being a Jake and Rocket fan, I thought I’d share my thoughts on their simple words from time to time in an effort to further the quality use of our leisure time. So here it goes…

Not all who wander are lost

Are you a wanderer? I am. There is nothing better than to grab my camera and maybe my dogs Duke and Ranger and head off on a hike. I usually know where I’m going but will sometimes let the dogs guide me on the adventure of the day. Probably one of my favorite activities is to find a rock, or a quiet meadow, pull up a stump to sit on and just be. I think we spend so much of our daily existence in the act of human doing that we forget to just sit and practice human being.

I have a colleague that I went through the doctoral program with-Vincent- he was a wanderer. He’d walk in circles during some of our work/study sessions, chewing on problems we were working on in his head. We learned to let Vincent go wander around for a while, knowing he’d come back when he’d figured out a solution to offer to the group. Vincent would also chew on his words when presenting his ideas, as if he mouth was out of sync with his brain that seemed to be working at light speed. We’d joke that Vincent was a professional wanderer but he was never lost. He wandered with a purpose and I think there’s something instructive about that.

We've all known or seen people that just seem to wander aimlessly, with no clear sense of direction about where they are going or what they're experiencing- they appear lost. That said, I think that’s the point- to be fully engaged in the activity, whatever it is, and let it take you for a ride wherever it goes. You’re not lost, you’re just present. Try it and let yourself go... wander on…

Live Well,

Chris